Seeking Grace

October 21, 2025

When trouble comes, stand in God's presence and cry out to Him

Have you ever felt trapped by circumstances beyond your control? We all face seasons where burdens weigh heavily on our shoulders, leaving us desperate for relief. Today, I want to share with you a powerful truth about finding freedom in Christ that can transform how you navigate life's challenges.

Seeking God in Trouble

When Solomon dedicated the temple, he prayed something profound that still speaks to us today. He said:

"If disaster comes upon us, such as the sword, judgment, pestilence, or famine, we will stand before this temple and in Your presence (for Your name is in this temple), and cry out to You in our affliction, and You will hear and save." - 2 Chronicles 20:9

Solomon revealed where to find help. When trouble arrives, we must stand in God's presence and cry out to Him. The temple represented God's dwelling place, where His name resided. Today, we don't need a physical temple to access God's presence. We can enter His presence right where we are.

When famine or plague comes to the land, or blight or mildew, locusts or grasshoppers, or when enemies besiege them in any of their cities, whatever disaster or disease may come, and when a prayer or plea is made by anyone among your people Israel, being aware of their afflictions and pains, and spreading out their hands toward this temple. then hear from heaven, your dwelling place. Forgive, and deal with everyone according to all they do, since you know their hearts (for you alone know the human heart), - 2 Chronicles 6:28 -30

The Woman Set Free

This reminds me of the woman in Luke 13 who had been bound by a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years. Can you imagine being unable to straighten yourself, permanently bent over for nearly two decades? But when Jesus saw her, He called her to Him and said:

"Woman, you are loosed from your infirmity." And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God. - Luke 13:12-13

I love this story because it shows us Jesus' heart. He saw her condition and spoke freedom over her life. With just His words and touch, eighteen years of bondage disappeared instantly. The same Jesus who set her free is alive today and sees whatever has you bound. He has the authority to speak freedom over your life too.

Our Position in Christ

You see, as believers, we have been positioned with Christ in heavenly places. Paul tells us in Ephesians:

"And raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." - Ephesians 2:6

This isn't just beautiful poetry; it's spiritual reality that changes everything about how we face our troubles.

When you understand your position in Christ, you realize you're not fighting for victory but from victory. You've been raised with Christ and seated with Him above your circumstances. From this heavenly vantage point, your problems look different. They don't disappear, but they appear smaller and more manageable in light of God's greatness.

Passing Down Faith

This truth is too precious to keep to ourselves. We must share it with future generations. Many young people today don't know about God's power because they haven't witnessed it firsthand. They've heard stories, perhaps, but haven't seen God's reality demonstrated in the lives of believers around them.

As you experience freedom in Christ, share your testimony with your children, grandchildren, and the young people in your community. Tell them how God has worked in your life. Show them what it looks like to stand in God's presence during trouble and receive His help. Your testimony might be the seed that grows into strong faith in someone else's life.

Conclusion

True freedom comes through recognizing our need for God and positioning ourselves in His presence. Like the woman in Luke 13, we can be set free from whatever has kept us bound. As we experience this freedom, we must share our testimonies with others, especially younger generations, so they too can know the power of God.

Reflect on This

1. What areas of your life feel bound or restricted today?

2. How might your perspective change if you viewed your problems from your position in Christ?

   
   

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the freedom You offer through Christ. Like Solomon, I stand in Your presence today with my troubles, knowing You hear and save. Speak Your word of freedom over the areas where I feel bound. Help me to live from my position in Christ, seeing my circumstances through heavenly eyes. Give me opportunities to share my testimony with others, especially the younger generation. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Key Takeaways

• When trouble comes, stand in God's presence and cry out to Him

• Jesus has the authority to set you free from any bondage

• Remember your position in Christ above your circumstances

• Share your testimony of God's faithfulness with future generations

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To dive deeper into this powerful message, watch the full sermon on our YouTube video below.